WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs Friday for not moving forward with plans to move money away from a program dedicated to helping homeless veterans.
Politico reported Wednesday the federal agency was looking to reapportion $460 million in funding to local Veterans Affairs hospitals. The homelessness program is aimed at providing long-term housing for veterans, including individuals who are mentally ill or have addiction-related problems.
“There will be absolutely no change in the funding to support our homeless programs,” Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin said in a press release Wednesday.
“Over the next six months, I will solicit input from our local VA leaders and external stakeholders on how best to target our funding to the geographical areas that need it most,” he added.
The move was reversed following backlash from advocates and lawmakers, including Capito, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
“Along with my colleagues on the subcommittee who oversee the funding for the VA, I was able to ensure those who have earned our support are going to continue to receive it,” she said in a press release.
She also called the proposal “misguided.”